What orbitals are used to form the indicated bond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The indicated bond is between two carbon atoms, which typically form bonds using hybrid orbitals. The hybridizations of the carbon atoms can be determined using the number of atoms and lone pairs bonded to the carbon. In this case, each carbon has three bonded atoms and zero lone pairs, which corresponds to sp3 hybridization. However, the bond in question is a double bond, which requires the use of one unhybridized p orbital on each carbon in addition to the sp3 hybrid orbitals. Therefore, the bond is formed using both sp3 and p orbitals, specifically the sp³ and sp² hybrid orbitals. Option D is the only choice that includes both of these hybrid orbitals.

What Orbitals Are Used to Form the Indicated Bond